Hair and Make-up

Make-up at Spa Sydell

We suggest that you have your hair styled and make-up done in your usual fashion before your headshot or portrait session. Apply your usual make-up; there are no special requirements for photography. Don’t worry about small blemishes – we’ll retouch them. Men should remember to shave. Women should bring some cosmetic powder to touch up glossy areas in the face if required. We have powder available to touch up men when it’s necessary. Please remember to bring a comb or brush. If you’d like on-site hair styling and make-up, we can arrange it for an additional fee. You may also arrange for your own stylist to accompany you to the studio.

Clothing and Jewelry

Actor

It’s not a good idea to wear white, bright or pastel colors or loud patterns; the emphasis of a headshot is on your face, and clothing should not distract from this. The same advice applies to jewelry keep it simple. Items with flat, reflective surfaces should be avoided. If you’re wearing a necklace, it’s best if it’s short, so that all of it will show in a closely cropped shot.

Business Headshots

Attorney’s headshot

For business headshots we suggest that you choose one outfit for the session. Jackets should be darker in color. Navy, black, dark grays, dark reds, dark greens and dark blues work well.

Actors & Entertainers

In sessions for actor’s and entertainers the goal is often to get more than one good shot, with some variety for comp cards and portfolios. You may want to bring several changes of clothing. Actors, for instance, may want a business look and a casual look. We suggest up to four changes; your time is better spent shooting than changing clothes. Black always works, so we suggest that you bring at least one top of that color.

Portraits

Engagement portrait

For portrait sessions, you’ll probably want to stick with one outfit, unless, for instance, you want both a casual and a formal portrait. If we’re doing a head & shoulders portrait, we recommend wearing long sleeves, even for a casual look. If  you are one of a group, it will be important to balance everyone’s clothing. Usually, we suggest trying to keep everyone in either warm or cool colors. For jewelry, the same suggestions apply as for business headshots.

These are guidelines that we’ve found generally work. Of course, every rule has exceptions, and we’re happy to photograph you however you like.